Overview
- Golden State confirmed Butler ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will undergo surgery, ending his 2025–26 season.
- The injury occurred late in the third quarter against Miami after contact with Davion Mitchell; Butler could not put weight on the leg and was helped to the locker room.
- Recovery is expected to take many months, with widely reported estimates ranging from roughly eight to as many as 9–12 months.
- Butler, 36, had averaged about 20 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the eighth-place Warriors and is under contract through 2026–27, with prior knee issues noted in coverage.
- Coach Steve Kerr and teammates expressed concern, Stephen Curry recounted Butler joking on the floor, and media reports speculate Golden State could explore trades, with names such as DeMar DeRozan and Anthony Davis mentioned.